What should i do if i am victim of identity theft?

If your identity has been stolen, it is critical that you act quickly to minimize any damage. If you aren’t sure, read these warning signs.

Once you have a fraud alert on your credit report place, a business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name.  The alert remains active for a year and can be renewed by you for up to seven years.

A security freeze is different from a fraud alert. Once your report is frozen, the credit reporting agency cannot release it without your prior express approval (with certain narrow exceptions). Under federal law, a security freeze is free, and obtaining one will not affect your credit score. To obtain a freeze, you must contact each of the credit reporting agencies and comply with their requirements. The agency must place the freeze within one business day, and if you request the freeze be lifted, they must do so within one hour. Learn more at their websites below:

Experian

Transunion

Equifax